Patent · US Expired

Condenser with small hydraulic diameter flow path

US4998580A · kind A · utility

58Cited by
14References
10Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJan 7, 1988
Grant dateMar 12, 1991
Priority date
Expiry dateJan 7, 2008

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
  • CPC primaryF28F2260/02
  • WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

An improved condenser for use in air conditioning or refrigeration systems. A pair of spaced headers have a plurality of tubes extending in hydraulic parallel between them and each tube defines a plurality of hydraulically parallel, fluid flow paths between the headers. Each of the fluid flow paths has a hydraulic diameter in the range of about 0.015 to about 0.04 inches. Preferably, each fluid flow path has an elongated crevice extending along its length to accumulate condensate and to assist in minimizing film thickness on heat exchange surfaces through the action of surface tension. Heat exchange surfaces may also be provided with microcracks or channels to enhance heat transfer.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.